Farm Manager - Vineyard Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 700.000 - 1.000.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

On-site accommodation

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training opportunities

Employee discounts

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Farm Manager to oversee expansive vineyards near Cape Town. The role blends on-site leadership with remote administrative work, focusing on planting, cultivation, harvest, staff supervision, and resource allocation to ensure high-quality grape production.

The ideal candidate has deep viticulture knowledge, pest and irrigation expertise, and a hands-on management style.

Qualifikationen

• Diploma or degree in viticulture, horticulture, agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of vineyard management or similar agricultural leadership.
• Strong knowledge of Western Cape grape varieties and viticulture best practices.
• Experience with irrigation, pest/disease management, and soil health.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a diverse workforce.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office.

Aufgaben

• Supervise all daily vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, trellising, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Manage and train a team of vineyard workers, ensuring safety and quality.
• Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans to optimize quality and yield.
• Monitor vineyard health using visual inspection, sensor data, and drone imagery when available.
• Oversee operation and maintenance of vineyard equipment and infrastructure.
• Manage inventory of supplies, fertilizers, and pest control materials.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and labor laws.
• Collaborate with the viticulturist and winemaking team to meet grape specifications.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, and yields.
• Contribute to strategic planning for expansion and improvements.

Kenntnisse

Staff supervision

Leadership

Organizational skills

Planning

Problem-solving

Communication

Record-keeping

Ausbildung

Diploma or Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dedicated Farm Manager to oversee the operations of their expansive vineyards located near Cape Town, Western Cape. This role is pivotal in ensuring the health and productivity of the vineyards, from planting and cultivation through to harvest. The Farm Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of all vineyard activities, including staff supervision, resource allocation, and the implementation of best practices in viticulture. This is a hybrid role, requiring regular presence on-site to manage operations directly, with flexibility for remote administrative tasks and reporting. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of grape cultivation, pest and disease management, and irrigation systems specific to the Western Cape climate. You will play a key role in maintaining the high quality of grapes produced, contributing directly to the success of the winery. We are looking for a hands-on leader with strong organizational skills and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. This position offers the opportunity to work within a beautiful setting and contribute to a renowned wine-producing region, balancing on-site leadership with the efficiency of remote administrative work.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise all daily vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, trellising, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Manage and train a team of vineyard workers, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
• Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans, focusing on optimizing grape quality and yield.
• Monitor vineyard health using visual inspection, sensor data, and potentially drone imagery, and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of vineyard equipment and infrastructure.
• Manage inventory of supplies, fertilizers, and pest control materials.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and labor laws.
• Collaborate with the viticulturist and winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets desired specifications.
• Maintain detailed records of all vineyard activities, inputs, and yields.
• Contribute to strategic planning for vineyard expansion and improvement projects.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in vineyard management or a similar agricultural leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals suitable for the Western Cape region and best practices in viticulture.
• Experience with irrigation systems, pest and disease management, and soil health practices.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a diverse workforce.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic computer applications (MS Office Suite).
• Understanding of health and safety regulations in an agricultural setting.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with potential for performance-based incentives.
• On-site accommodation or housing allowance.
• Comprehensive medical aid benefits.
• Retirement fund contribution.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in viticulture.
• Access to state-of-the-art vineyard equipment.
• A dynamic work environment within a renowned agricultural estate.
• Employee discounts on wine and produce.